Is Duterte squandering The Hague victory to appease Beijing?
3 years, 5 months ago

Is Duterte squandering The Hague victory to appease Beijing?

Al Jazeera  

Experts say China’s gains in South China Sea ‘impossible’ to reverse while urging the Philippines to boost military capability and alliances. ‘Victory Day’ It was in July 2016, less than two weeks into the Duterte presidency when The Hague tribunal concluded, based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, that China’s assertion of historic rights within its “nine-dash line” and maritime entitlements over most of the South China Sea had “no legal basis”. South China Sea ‘fait accompli’ Koh, the foreign affairs analyst from Singapore’s S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, also noted how the Philippines has lagged over the years in “building up the stick” in terms of military capacity to carry out “more vigorously” maritime patrols within its EEZ. With the progress China made in fortifying its artificial islands in the South China Sea, it will be “impossible to even envisage” that it would “willingly relinquish those possessions” within the Philippines’ EEZ, Koh said. Hontiveros, an opposition senator and critic of Duterte’s South China Sea policy said the radio challenges showed that “the Philippines can assert our ownership of the West Philippine Sea without resorting to war.” As a middle power caught in the increasingly heated rivalry between China and the US, the lesson for Manila is to pursue an independent foreign policy, according to Cabalza, the foreign affairs expert who has also studied at the National Defence University in Beijing.

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History of this topic

China criticizes Philippines for violating sovereignty, maritime rights
1 month, 1 week ago

China criticizes Philippines for violating sovereignty, maritime rights

China Daily  

China firmly opposes the Philippines' recent actions and comments related to the South China Sea, as they severely violated China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights, a defense spokesman said on Friday. Zhang said that the Philippines side, in collusion with external countries, carries out frequent military exercises in the South China Sea to sow discord and provoke confrontation. "Such acts …

China criticizes Philippines for violating sovereignty, maritime rights
1 month, 1 week ago

China criticizes Philippines for violating sovereignty, maritime rights

China Daily  

China firmly opposes the Philippines' recent actions and comments related to the South China Sea, as they severely violated China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights, a defense spokesman said on Friday. Zhang said that the Philippines side, in collusion with external countries, carries out frequent military exercises in the South China Sea to sow discord and provoke confrontation. "Such acts …

Manila's latest provocation 'risky, futile'
2 months, 3 weeks ago

Manila's latest provocation 'risky, futile'

China Daily  

The Philippine vessel 9701 intentionally rams the port side of the China Coast Guard ship 5205 in the lagoon of Xianbin Jiao of China's Nansha Qundao, Aug 31, 2024. China urged the Philippines to refrain from "making risky and futile provocations" in the South China Sea, a defense spokesman said on Thursday. In addition, the Philippine defense secretary reportedly claimed …

Manila's latest provocation 'risky, futile'
2 months, 3 weeks ago

Manila's latest provocation 'risky, futile'

China Daily  

The Philippine vessel 9701 intentionally rams the port side of the China Coast Guard ship 5205 in the lagoon of Xianbin Jiao of China's Nansha Qundao, Aug 31, 2024. China urged the Philippines to refrain from "making risky and futile provocations" in the South China Sea, a defense spokesman said on Thursday. In addition, the Philippine defense secretary reportedly claimed …

China warns Philippines against miscalculation, provocation
2 months, 4 weeks ago

China warns Philippines against miscalculation, provocation

China Daily  

China urged the Philippine side not to have illusion and miscalculation and stop making any risky and futile provocations in the South China Sea, a defense spokesman said on Thursday. Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks in a news conference in Beijing in response to the recent comments and action by some …

China’s actions in South China Sea patently illegal, Philippine Defence Ministry says
3 months, 3 weeks ago

China’s actions in South China Sea patently illegal, Philippine Defence Ministry says

The Hindu  

China's actions in the South China Sea are "patently illegal", the Philippines' defence secretary said on Monday following a clash in disputed waters on Sunday over what Manila said was a resupply mission for fishermen. Manila's South China Sea task force accused Chinese vessels of ramming and using water canons near Sabina shoal against a Philippine fisheries vessel transporting food, …

China and the Philippines hold crucial talks after chaotic confrontation in disputed South China Sea
5 months, 3 weeks ago

China and the Philippines hold crucial talks after chaotic confrontation in disputed South China Sea

The Hindu  

China and the Philippines held a crucial meeting on July 2 to try and ease escalating tensions following their worst confrontation in the disputed South China Sea that sparked fears of a wider conflict that could involve Manila’s ally, the United States. Philippine Foreign Undersecretary Theresa Lazaro told her Chinese counterpart, Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong, “that the Philippines will …

South China Sea dispute: A bolder Philippines tests Beijing’s resolve
6 months ago

South China Sea dispute: A bolder Philippines tests Beijing’s resolve

The Hindu  

Huddled in the presidential situation room in February last year, senior Philippines officials faced a stark choice. "China has few escalatory options left without triggering the U.S.-Philippines mutual defence treaty and risking a military confrontation between Chinese and U.S. forces," said Ian Storey, a security scholar at Singapore's Yusof Ishak ISEAS Institute. In response to Reuters questions, China's Foreign Ministry …

Exploiting China's goodwill and tolerance leads to nowhere
7 months ago

Exploiting China's goodwill and tolerance leads to nowhere

China Daily  

Some Philippine politicians have been actively provoking China in issues related to the South China Sea regardless of continuous restraint and goodwill from China. As noted by Rod Kapunan, a columnist for Philippine newspaper Manila Standard, the latest provocation is "one of the most cynical displays of opportunistic exploitation of the Filipino poor by the U.S.-Filipino proxy clique for the …

Exploiting China's goodwill and tolerance leads to nowhere
7 months ago

Exploiting China's goodwill and tolerance leads to nowhere

China Daily  

Some Philippine politicians have been actively provoking China in issues related to the South China Sea regardless of continuous restraint and goodwill from China. As noted by Rod Kapunan, a columnist for Philippine newspaper Manila Standard, the latest provocation is "one of the most cynical displays of opportunistic exploitation of the Filipino poor by the U.S.-Filipino proxy clique for the …

China warns Philippines against acts of infringement, provocation
7 months, 1 week ago

China warns Philippines against acts of infringement, provocation

China Daily  

BEIJING -- A Chinese defense spokesperson has warned the Philippine side not to take any rash action, and urged it to halt all acts of infringement and provocation. Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks at a press conference Friday in response to a media inquiry about the Philippine president's recent claim that the country …

China publicises what it says is a deal with the Philippines to access South China Sea islands
7 months, 2 weeks ago

China publicises what it says is a deal with the Philippines to access South China Sea islands

ABC  

I n short: China has publicised for the first time what it claims is a secret deal with the Philippines over access to islands in the South China Sea. For the first time, China has publicised what it claims is an unwritten agreement with the Philippines over access to South China Sea islands. Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte has denied …

China publicizes for the first time what it claims is a 2016 agreement with Philippines
7 months, 2 weeks ago

China publicizes for the first time what it claims is a 2016 agreement with Philippines

Associated Press  

TAIPEI, Taiwan — For the first time, China has publicized what it claims is an unwritten 2016 agreement with the Philippines over access to South China Sea islands. A statement from the Chinese Embassy in Manila said the “temporary special arrangement” agreed to during a visit to Beijing by former president Rodrigo Duterte allowed small scale fishing around the islands …

US and Philippines step up strategic partnership as China threats loom in South China Sea
8 months, 1 week ago

US and Philippines step up strategic partnership as China threats loom in South China Sea

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration on Friday reassured the Philippines anew that the U.S. commitment to the country’s defense is steadfast amid increasing concerns about provocative Chinese actions in disputed areas of the South China Sea. “We attach a lot of importance to this meeting especially in light of recent developments in the South China Sea, especially China’s escalation of …

China asks India to respect its claim over South China Sea after Jaishankar backs Philippines' sovereignty
8 months, 3 weeks ago

China asks India to respect its claim over South China Sea after Jaishankar backs Philippines' sovereignty

Deccan Chronicle  

Beijing, Mar 26 China on Tuesday urged India to respect its sovereignty claims over the disputed South China Sea where it is currently locked in a bitter row with the Philippines, saying that no "third party" will be in a position to interfere in maritime disputes between the two countries. “We urge the relevant side to face facts of the …

How an impasse in the South China Sea drove the Philippines, US closer
11 months, 3 weeks ago

How an impasse in the South China Sea drove the Philippines, US closer

Al Jazeera  

American troops are returning to the Philippines, in a move that some fear may invite conflict with China. While Marcos Jr’s decisions have largely been driven by the South China Sea territorial dispute, he has also shared concerns about the impact of a possible Chinese invasion of Taiwan, saying that “it’s very hard to imagine a scenario where the Philippines …

Philippines chides China over South China Sea claims: ‘Truth and in fact…’
1 year ago

Philippines chides China over South China Sea claims: ‘Truth and in fact…’

Hindustan Times  

The Philippine defence minister rebuked China on Wednesday for accusing his country of provoking tension and stirring trouble in the South China Sea, saying only Beijing believed what it was saying. "Truth and in fact, no country in the world, none, supports unequivocally their claim to the whole of South China Sea," Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said as both nations …

Philippines announces full termination of major infra projects under China's BRI, to favour Western and Japanese ventures
1 year, 1 month ago

Philippines announces full termination of major infra projects under China's BRI, to favour Western and Japanese ventures

Op India  

In a significant development with geopolitical implications, the full termination of major infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative has been announced by the Philippine Department of Transportation in favour of competitors from the West and Japan, as reported by Asia Times on Thursday. China’s diplomatic approach in the Philippines under President Duterte faced criticism for being dubbed “pledge …

Philippines calls on China to stop ‘provocative actions’ at sea
1 year, 2 months ago

Philippines calls on China to stop ‘provocative actions’ at sea

Al Jazeera  

Manila lodges diplomatic protest over near collisions in the South China Sea, its 55th this year. Manila, meanwhile, said the Chinese vessel engaged in “dangerous blocking manoeuvres” and said a Philippine coastguard vessel escorting the resupply boat was also “bumped” by a ship from China’s maritime militia. Coast Guard Tarriela noted that on Sunday, the Philippines was greatly outnumbered by …

Exclusive: Philippine defense secretary vows to stand up to ‘bully’ China
1 year, 2 months ago

Exclusive: Philippine defense secretary vows to stand up to ‘bully’ China

CNN  

Manila, Philippines CNN — China is behaving like a schoolyard bully toward smaller countries, the Philippine defense secretary told CNN Friday during an exclusive interview in which he warned his nation, and the wider world, had to stand up to Beijing’s territorial expansion in the South China Sea. “I cannot think of any clearer case of bullying than this,” said …

Why the Philippines Is Exposing China’s Aggressive Actions in the South China Sea
1 year, 7 months ago

Why the Philippines Is Exposing China’s Aggressive Actions in the South China Sea

The Diplomat  

Over the past few months, the Philippine Coast Guard has expanded its responsibilities beyond its usual task of patrolling the West Philippine Sea, the portion of the South China Sea claimed by Manila. Next, the PCG’s efforts to expose illicit activities in the West Philippine Sea have played a crucial role in raising public awareness and garnering support for the …

China warns as US, Philippines stage combat drills
1 year, 8 months ago

China warns as US, Philippines stage combat drills

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. When asked to comment on …

Philippine leader urges military to focus on South China Sea
1 year, 9 months ago

Philippine leader urges military to focus on South China Sea

Associated Press  

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine president said the main mission of his country’s military has changed to ensure the protection of its territory as disputes with China and U.S.-China rivalry intensify. He spoke two weeks after summoning China’s ambassador to protest the use of a military-grade laser by the Chinese coast guard that briefly blinded some of the crew of …

Philippine leader urges military to focus on South China Sea
1 year, 9 months ago

Philippine leader urges military to focus on South China Sea

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

VP Harris urges defence of sovereignty in South China Sea
2 years, 1 month ago

VP Harris urges defence of sovereignty in South China Sea

Al Jazeera  

Harris calls on countries to stand up for territorial integrity and freedom of navigation in disputed South China Sea, claimed by China. The United States will stand by the Philippines in the face of intimidation and coercion in the South China Sea, US Vice President Kamala Harris has said while visiting Palawan island on the edge of the disputed waters. …

China accuses US of ‘navigation bullying’ in South China Sea
54 years, 11 months ago

China accuses US of ‘navigation bullying’ in South China Sea

Associated Press  

MANILA, Philippines — China blasted a top U.S. Navy official Friday after he criticized Beijing’s increasingly aggressive actions in the South China Sea, saying it’s America’s military deployments in the disputed waters — which it called “navigation bullying” — that could spark confrontations. The Chinese Embassy in Manila said it strongly deplored U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro’s …

Philippines’ Bongbong Marcos Is Pro-China, Will Hurt Quad’s Aims To Keep Indo-Pacific Free
2 years, 7 months ago

Philippines’ Bongbong Marcos Is Pro-China, Will Hurt Quad’s Aims To Keep Indo-Pacific Free

News 18  

While the US and its European allies scramble to contain Russia in Ukraine, China also has shifted its focus eastwards to expand its sphere of influence. The Quad and AUKUS, which were formed in order to ensure a free and inclusive Indo-Pacific, is on its way to suffering another setback as the Philippines is likely to elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr., …

South China Sea issues handled ‘properly,’ Xi tells Duterte
2 years, 8 months ago

South China Sea issues handled ‘properly,’ Xi tells Duterte

Associated Press  

BEIJING — Seeking to put a positive spin on a relationship that never quite produced the hoped-for benefits, Chinese leader Xi Jinping told outgoing Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday that the two nations have “properly” handled the sensitive issue of the disputed South China Sea. Xi made no mention of disputes, saying the sides “have adhered to the important …

U.S. and Philippine forces stage large war exercises likely to rankle China
2 years, 8 months ago

U.S. and Philippine forces stage large war exercises likely to rankle China

LA Times  

Thousands of American and Philippine forces on Monday began one of their largest joint combat exercises in years, including drills of live-fire maneuvers, aircraft assaults, urban warfare and beach landings in a showcase of U.S. firepower near the Philippines’ sea border with Taiwan. The annual exercises, called Balikatan — Tagalog for “shoulder to shoulder” — will run up to April …

Philippines redeploys two supply boats in South China Sea after face off with China
3 years, 1 month ago

Philippines redeploys two supply boats in South China Sea after face off with China

Firstpost  

This comes after two Chinese coast guard ships blocked two Filipino boats on Tuesday and a third coast guard ship sprayed high-pressure streams of water on the boats Manila, Philippines: The Philippine military defiantly redeployed two supply boats on Monday to provide food to Filipino marines guarding a disputed shoal in the South China Sea after the Chinese coast guard …

Philippines tells China to ‘back off’ after South China Sea clash
3 years, 1 month ago

Philippines tells China to ‘back off’ after South China Sea clash

Al Jazeera  

Philippines says Chinese coastguard blocked and fired water cannon on two of its supply ships inside its exclusive economic zone. Three ships from the Chinese coastguard blocked and fired water cannons on two Philippines supply boats within the country’s exclusive economic zone in the disputed South China Sea, the Philippines has said. They must take heed and back off.” China …

Philippines protests China's 'illegal' South China Sea presence
3 years, 6 months ago

Philippines protests China's 'illegal' South China Sea presence

The Hindu  

The Philippines has protested China's continuing "illegal presence and activities" near an island in the South China Sea held by the Southeast Asian nation, the Foreign Ministry said on Saturday. Manila lodged the diplomatic protest on Friday over the "incessant deployment, prolonged presence, and illegal activities of Chinese maritime assets and fishing vessels" in the vicinity of Thitu island. This …

Philippines protests China’s ‘illegal’ South China Sea presence
3 years, 6 months ago

Philippines protests China’s ‘illegal’ South China Sea presence

Al Jazeera  

Manila lodges diplomatic protest against the ‘incessant and prolonged’ presence of Chinese vessels near Thitu Island. The Philippines has protested China’s “continuing illegal presence and activities” near islands it holds in the South China Sea. In a statement on Saturday, the Philippines’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had lodged a diplomatic protest “against the incessant deployment, prolonged presence, and …

Philippines President issues gag order to his Cabinet over South China Sea
3 years, 7 months ago

Philippines President issues gag order to his Cabinet over South China Sea

ABC  

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has barred his Cabinet from talking about the South China Sea in public, but said the gag order did not mean the country was wavering in its defence of its sovereign rights. Key points: Mr Duterte later clarified his decision should not be construed as weakness and said maritime patrols must continue Beijing claims almost the …

Duterte bans Philippines cabinet from speaking on South China Sea
3 years, 7 months ago

Duterte bans Philippines cabinet from speaking on South China Sea

Al Jazeera  

Gag order comes after key ministers criticised Beijing over the presence of Chinese vessels in the disputed waterway. Rodrigo Duterte, the president of the Philippines, has barred his cabinet from publicly discussing the South China Sea dispute after key ministers rebuked Beijing over the presence of Chinese vessels in the contested waterway. Tensions between Manila and Beijing over the South …

Philippine Foreign Minister takes profanity-laced crack at Beijing over its lingering presence in the South China Sea
3 years, 7 months ago

Philippine Foreign Minister takes profanity-laced crack at Beijing over its lingering presence in the South China Sea

ABC  

Tensions between Beijing and Manila over the South China Sea have risen another notch after the Philippines' Foreign Secretary published an obscene tweet to order Chinese ships to leave the disputed waters. Key points: The Philippine Foreign Ministry has accused China of following and hindering Philippine coast guard vessels President Rodrigo Duterte has pursued warmer ties with Beijing but the …

‘GET THE F*** OUT’: Filipino diplomat fumes over China incursions
3 years, 7 months ago

‘GET THE F*** OUT’: Filipino diplomat fumes over China incursions

Al Jazeera  

Foreign Minister Teodoro Locsin tweets expletive-laced message against Beijing even as Philippine president shies away from confrontation. After his comments lit up social media, Locsin commented further on Tuesday: “If Wang Yi is following Twitter then I’m sorry for hurting his feelings but his alone”, referring to his Chinese counterpart. Locsin frequently uses strong language on social media and defended …

Duterte ‘reluctant’ to confront China over South China Sea row
3 years, 7 months ago

Duterte ‘reluctant’ to confront China over South China Sea row

Al Jazeera  

Philippine president says Manila owes Beijing a ‘debt of gratitude’ but insists he will not compromise country’s sovereignty. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has said he will not withdraw navy and coastguard boats patrolling the disputed South China Sea, insisting the country’s sovereignty over the waters is not negotiable. I hope they understand, but I have the interest of my country …

Duterte urged to confront Chinese ‘bullying’ in South China Sea
3 years, 8 months ago

Duterte urged to confront Chinese ‘bullying’ in South China Sea

Al Jazeera  

Manila urged to shore up its exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea by building structures within its waters or risk losing them to China. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte must end his “policy of subservience” towards Beijing, lawmakers and foreign policy experts have said, warning that the Filipino leader’s silence is sending the wrong signal as hundreds of Chinese …

Philippines warns China of ‘unwanted hostilities’ in sea dispute
3 years, 8 months ago

Philippines warns China of ‘unwanted hostilities’ in sea dispute

Al Jazeera  

Duterte’s top legal counsel warns China’s ‘present territorial incursions’ is an ‘unwelcome stain’ in closer ties between Manila and Beijing. But in the strongest remarks yet from his office, Duterte’s top legal counsel Salvador Panelo warned China’s “present territorial incursions is producing an unwelcome stain in their bond and may trigger unwanted hostilities that both countries would rather not pursue.” …

Philippines, Vietnam press China over South China Sea activities
3 years, 8 months ago

Philippines, Vietnam press China over South China Sea activities

Al Jazeera  

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte urged to take a firmer stand towards Beijing as international law expert warns of more Chinese ‘occupation’. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has expressed “concern” to China’s ambassador about Chinese vessels massing in the disputed South China Sea, his spokesman said, as Vietnam urged Beijing to respect its maritime sovereignty. “The volume of changes is significant, and …

Philippines accuses Beijing of 'provocative action' after 220 Chinese vessels encroach on South China Sea reef
3 years, 9 months ago

Philippines accuses Beijing of 'provocative action' after 220 Chinese vessels encroach on South China Sea reef

ABC  

The Philippine defence chief has demanded more than 200 Chinese vessels he says are manned by militias leave a South China Sea reef claimed by Manila, calling their presence a "provocative action of militarising the area". Key points: The vessels' presence in the area raises concern about overfishing and safe navigation Chinese fishing fleets have long been suspected of being …

Philippines protests new China law as `verbal threat of war’
3 years, 10 months ago

Philippines protests new China law as `verbal threat of war’

Associated Press  

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has protested a new Chinese law that authorizes its coast guard to fire on foreign vessels and destroy other countries’ structures on islands it claims, Manila’s top diplomat said Wednesday. China’s Coast Guard Law, which was passed on Friday, empowers the force to “take all necessary measures, including the use of weapons, when national sovereignty, …

Philippines lifts ban on South China Sea energy exploration
4 years, 2 months ago

Philippines lifts ban on South China Sea energy exploration

Associated Press  

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine president has approved the lifting of a ban on oil and gas exploration in or near disputed areas of the South China Sea that was imposed six years ago because of escalating territorial tensions with China, an official said Thursday. The Philippine decision to lift the ban places the exploration companies “under legal obligation to …

Duterte gets rare praise for raising sea feud ruling at UN
4 years, 3 months ago

Duterte gets rare praise for raising sea feud ruling at UN

Associated Press  

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine president got rare praises Wednesday from his key critics for invoking before the United Nations a 2016 arbitration ruling that invalidated China’s vast territorial claims in the South China Sea, in a surprise move that will likely pique Beijing. China refused to take part in the arbitration, which was initiated by Duterte’s predecessor, and has …

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